If you already live in Molesey, you already know where Musicland East is. We were lucky enough to have a chat with owner James Etherington to talk about Musicland East, Molesey, and what keeps him in love with music and teaching.

Yes that is a chrome guitar, and yes the only other time you may have seen one like it was on the cover of Brothers In Arms by Dire Straits!

The shop has an extremely welcoming feel, and you are instantly greeted by some amazing instruments (and musicians).

The workbench where James repairs and maintains instruments.

As soon as you enter the shop your are welcomed by the relaxed and unpolished vibe that is clearly perfect for the creative nature of teaching and experimenting with music. There is an array of stringed instruments that line the walls, along with amplifiers, straps, leads and retro festival posters amongst other things. The entire building is charming, even down to the work bench where James repairs and maintains their customer's instruments.

One of the teaching rooms at Musicland East, just look at those posters! How could you not be inspired!

Thats right. Thats a guitar made around a motor oil can. They are even cooler in real life!

Whilst there is a clear emphasis on the technical and theoretical side of music, the teaching/ practise rooms continue the relaxed vibes within the shop, and the staff have a superb knowledge of their respective crafts. This makes for a perfect, pressure free learning environment for any aspiring musicians, whether it be guitar, piano, or drums, this has to be one of the most charming and inspirational places to learn.

We asked James a few questions whilst we were there, we hope you enjoy reading what he had to say, and we've included contact details at the end of this article in case you want to start (or continue!) a passion for music at Musicland East.

How long has Musicland East been in Molesey for?

Since 1996, so about 22 years on the corner of Matham Road and Walton Road.

What services and products do you offer?

We do a lot of teaching here, with guitar, bass, drums, piano and ukelele lessons going seven days a week, out of four teaching rooms. We also stock new and second hand instruments and accessories, and I carry out repairs and setups on string instruments on site as well.

What is it that you like about working in Molesey and the general community?

 The people are cool and really get behind stuff. There's quite a few open mic nights in the area and we've had a massive response to our larger Musicland Live events, which give our students the opportunity to get together into bands and have them perform on a proper stage and gain some experience.  Its' a great evening and we always sell hundreds of tickets, and it can only grow off the back of the community that supports it. Luckily, Molesey has a great one!

What's your top tip for someone looking to get into music/learning an instrument?

Get a reasonable instrument but don't break the bank yet, make sure it's set up and tuned correctly, and play everyday for the love of it so you advance naturally. My main instrument is the guitar and there's such a range of approaches and styles you can play in and so much advice out there, but play the music you love to hear and you'll be on the right track.

What is your favourite thing about your job?

We get a real opportunity to make a difference. The shop meant a lot to me growing up, and I can see it means a lot to some of our younger students now. The community atmosphere gives way to the tendency to dream big, and it's great to have a shop full of musicians and those who support them, seven days a week, in a community that lets it thrive.

Musicland East

52-54 Walton Road, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 0DL

0208 979 9443

musiclandeast@hotmail.com

musiclandeast.com

Back in 1997, Kim and JP Gravier opened Le Petit Nantais on Bridge Road in East Molesey and, with the help of their daughter and dedicated team, they have successfully made the restaurant what it is today. 

Le Petit Nantais specialise in classic French cuisine with a modern twist. All produce is sourced from the best possible suppliers including Billingsgate and Smithfield markets, as well as bi-weekly deliveries direct from France to ensure authenticity of flavour and quality. 

"The term "family run business" means a lot to us as, even though some our team are not physical family members, we're our own little family of misfits that have worked together now for over a decade together."

"The best part about living and working in the Molesey and Hampton court area is the real sense of community. Everyone knows each other and looks out for one another's homes and businesses. Whenever there are events in the area everybody gets stuck in and you just don't get that in other villages anymore."

"We are currently running our "Frapas" menu every lunch time designed around the idea of little bites and sharing dishes of all your favourite French classics. One of the reasons we started this menu was because one thing our customers always say is that they can never choose which dish to have; this way they can have a little bit of everything they like without needing to be wheeled out the door! The other main reason for this menu is hopefully try to prove that dining French does not have to mean breaking the bank. The common misconception we have seen is that French food is expensive and we hope that this quashes that belief."

"Like all businesses we have had our ups and downs but with my fantastic team and talented husband by my side I am proud of all that we have achieved and will continue to achieve in the future"

Feeling Hungry?

Take a look at their a la carte and "Frapas" menus: www.lepetitnantais.com, follow them on Twitter @LPNantais, find them on Facebook or follow JP on Instagram @jplechef to see all latest deals and weekly specials. 

For all enquiries/bookings you can call 02089792309 or call/text 07796266006 

Or drop them an email at jp@lepetitnantais.co.uk 

Having tried (more than once and counting!) the recentley opened Cavan Bakery on Walton Road in East Molesey we just had to write a blog about this brilliant bakery. Commercial manager Suze Drew was kind enough to speak with us…

For those that don't already know, what is the Cavan Bakery?

Cavan Bakery sells hand crafted bread, baked through the night, traditional buns, cakes, hot savouries, freshly made sandwiches and great coffee!

When was the company started?

We are primarily bread specialists, having been baking since 1929. We have been trading since 1929 and the business is now run by the third generation of the Cavan family.

Who runs the business on a day to day basis?

The business is run on a day to day basis by Managing Director, Jeff Greenall (husband of Sarah Cavan, granddaughter of David Cavan who started the business in 1929), Sales & Catering Director, Wendy Paterson and Suze Drew, Commercial Manager.

What attracted you to Molesey for the next shop?

Since relocating our main bakery and Head Office from Hampton Hill to Molesey in 2012, we have been looking for a suitable site for a shop.  When looking for the right site, we need to consider footfall, parking etc and although on the tiny side, 83 Walton Road is on the school run route, has a bus stop right outside and is a popular thoroughfare for tradesmen needing a good lunch whilst visiting Trade Paints, the Electrical shop and DIY shop.  It is a tight community of supportive residents and other traders, keen to see businesses succeed so a good site for our 8th family-owned shop.

What do you personally like about Molesey?

I am biased as I live in Molesey so knew a great local bakery is just what (I) and everyone else needed! Molesey is a small village where everyone knows everyone and word of mouth is key – it's a special place where residents will support local businesses if they're giving people the products and service they want.  Everyone who lives in Molesey that I know is keen to make the High Street as appealing as possible with as many thriving independent traders as possible.

Writing this has given us a craving for some sausage rolls. If you haven't tried them yet you are missing out!

Promotional offers

Choose a FREE bun with every freshly ground coffee or hot chocolate purchased before 10am.

Start a sandwich loyalty card and receive a stamp for every sandwich/filled roll/filled bap purchased – every 10th sandwich is FREE!

Buy 4 cakes and choose a 5th for FREE (offer doesn't include jam doughnuts).

Cavan Bakery, 83 Walton Road, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 0DP

Tel 020 8941 5512

info@thecavanbakery.co.uk

Open 7am – 4.30pm Mon to Fri and 7.30am – 4.00pm Sat

Want to feature your local business in Molesey? It's completely free to do so!

Call 0208 396 6717 or email len@newtonhuxley.co.uk 

Molesey residents will no doubt know The Buttonhole Florist on Bridge Road in East Molesey, we were fortunate enough to meet owner and long term Molesey resident Denise Hamer and her dog Elsa!

The Buttonhole Florist has been around for as long as I can remember, when were the doors first opened?

The Buttonhole was opened in 1947 by Mrs Maisie Pilgrim, and has always been a family run business. Her son took over when Maisie retired and I have owned the shop for 5 years having worked for the Pilgrims for 25 years.

What do you sell at The Buttonhole?

We have a wide selection of fresh flowers and plants which are delivered straight from Holland to cover all occasions.

What is it that you like most about Molesey?

I have lived in Molesey nearly all my life and is a wonderful place to live and work with so much to offer and the people in Molesey are so friendly with a real feel of village community spirit about it.

Do you have a special occasion coming up? Visit Denise and Elsa at The Buttonhole Florist!

117 Bridge Road, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9HT

Tel: 0208 979 3694 / 0208 979 9793     Email: sales@buttonhole.co.uk

Want to feature your local business in Molesey? It's completely free to do so!

Call 0208 396 6717 or email len@newtonhuxley.co.uk 

The Jewel Box in East Molesey has been established since 1976. Here's what owners Vera and Andina told us about their charming shop.

What does the Jewel Box sell and what additional services do you offer?

"We sell 9ct gold and silver jewellery, pulsar and lorus watches, handbags, costume jewellery, purses, wallets, scarves, seiko clocks, photo frames, candles and believe it or not…. so much more!"

Do you offer any specialist services?

"Watch and Jewellery repairs are our main focus. This includes watch straps, batteries, restringing pearls and beads and clock repairs."

When did The Jewel Box first open it's doors?

"Next year we will be celebrating our 40th year of trading. My mother and father came to Molesey from Blackheath, London in 1976."

Who serves your customers?

"My mother, Vera and myself (Andina)."

What inspired you to open The Jewel Box?

"It's our family business. Coming from London, Molesey certainly is a nicer, friendly and safer environment."

What's is it that you love about Molesey?

We love the fact it has a village feel, and our customers have been coming to us for so many years, we have their children as customers as well!

Want to speak to Vera or Andina?

Call them on 0208 941 1766 or 07702 020 652

Email at thejewelbox113@hotmail.com

Get your business featured here for free! Contact us.

If you live in Molesey, you'll know about Molesey Pets and Aquatic Centre. Here's what owner Paul Davidson told us about his locally renowned pet shop.

What does the Molesey Pets and Aquatic Centre offer to Molesey residents?

Everything to do with your pet or aquatic needs. We also offer an outdoor aquatic service which includes ponds and water features etc.

How long have you been trading for?

40 years! I was born in Molesey and my family has always had businesses here.

Who runs the shop on a day to day basis?

I do all of the leg work, Chris the Cockatoo takes on more of a "meet and greet" role with the customers.

What do you like most about Molesey?

It's still a village, so many areas close by are built up and have changed dramatically where as Molesey has retained its community feel.

Have a pet/pond related query? Contact Paul via the details below:

Molesey Pets and Aquatic Centre, 69 Walton Road, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 0DP

Tel: 0208 979 9083

moleseypets@gmail.com

Want to feature your business in Molesey? Contact us or call 0208 396 6717.

Welcome to the first edition of the Molesey Business Blog, this week we were lucky enough to speak to Matt and Tammy at Belle Epoque. Here's what they told us about their wonderful shop and how it came to be.

"focussed at the local community"

Belle Epoque opened in Walton Road in 2005 as an antique and vintage furniture shop, but over the past 10 years we have diversified to include our hugely popular antique chandeliers which have been shipped across the world, alongside other ranges which are focussed at the local community such as our selection of toys, books, home fragrance and jewellery.

"antique chandeliers which have been shipped across the world"

We opened in Molesey as it was where Tammy had grown up and her step-father had run a very successful antiques business in Bridge Road for a number of years. We believed in the benefits of being part of a community and now are very pleased to offer products from a number of local highly talented creatives. Matt also plays an important role in the Molesey Business Association.

"a very bespoke service"

We source antique and vintage furniture and decorative items and restore them in house, which allows us to offer our customers a very bespoke service. This is one of the key features that sets us apart from other vintage traders.

Over the past 8 years Matt has been very much at the front of the business, however with the children now at school Matt is going to retire into his workshop and let Tammy take over the running of the shop.

"We still love being part of the Molesey community"

We still love being part of the Molesey community alongside our fellow retailers and our lovely customers. It is important to support local businesses but on the same hand if they aren’t offering what you’re looking for, tell them! Every shop owner needs feedback and the smart ones act on it quickly. Some of our best decisions have been as a direct result of customers requests and we take on board everything we hear.

– Matt & Tammy Court – 

Belle Epoque, 88 Walton Road, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 0DL

020 8941 9269 | enquiries@belleepoque.me.uk

twitter – @BelleEpoqueShop

Want to feature your business in Molesey? Contact us or call 0208 396 6717.

After we spotted these photos on the East and West Molesey Group on Facebook, we couldn't help but ask West Molesey resident Craig Allnutt if we could post a blog about them and how he was able to capture these spectacular images.

How long have you lived in Molesey?

"I live in Hight Street, West Molesey and moved to Molesey from Addleston around 5 years ago when I married my partner."

How were you able to capture these images?

"With a celestron telescope and dedicated astro camera. Each picture can take anywhere from 3-15 hours of total exposure time."

What sparked your interest in astronomy?

"I first got into astronomy when my Dad showed me Haley's Comet outside our house back in the 80's. I started just by imaging the moon and planets and then about two years ago, I decided to take the plunge in to deep sace photography"

What is you favourite thing about living in Molesey?

"I would have to say the people, it seems like a close community and there is always something to do such as taking a stroll by The River Thames or visiting Hampton Court Palace and the surrounding gardens."

Below are the images Craig posted on line, we hope you find them as interesting as we did!

The Elephant Trunk Nebula

Located some 2400 light years away (1 light year is around 5.88 trillion miles) in the constellation Cepheus.

Rosette Nebula

Located 5,000 light years from Earth this nebula has an approximate diameter of 50 light years.

The Orion Nebula

One of the brightest nebulae in The Milky Way, this nebula is 24 light years wide and can be seen with the naked eye from Earth.

The Heart Nebula

At 7500 light years away, the Heart Nebula is located in the constellation Cassiopeia. The intense red output is generated by radiation eminated from a small group of stars near its centre